“When I was at ELLE magazine many moons ago, I wrote an article about what airplane air does to your skin (zero percent humidity = crazy dehydration = micro fissures in skin = baking makeup into your pores). Ever since then I cleanse right before getting on a plane and then apply tons of facial oil on the plane. If you forget to bring products, hang out at Kiehl’s or La Mer before you board and slather yourself with samples.”

Until now, I would fly with a full face of makeup and then wonder why my skin would freak out on trips! Now I know. I love these travel wipes and now I’ll use them before boarding; and lately I’ve been using this super hydrating face cream, which has a serious cult following.

We fly internationally about once a month, and it’s three flights each way, so you could say I have a routine down!

I travel with lots of pouches in my main carryon, which is a Lo and Sons OMG. My carryon goes in front of us, and my husband’s goes above. My husband’s carry-on holds our laptops, a spare change of clothes for each of us, any valuables, a hairbrush, and medications.

I carry my iPad, my husband’s iPad, a notebook, copies of our travel documents, headphones, and a headphone splitter, along with chargers, backup batteries, and international converters. My bag has a pouch of beauty stuff, a pouch of all the cords, and a pouch of snacks. I also bring two large pashminas that we use as either pillows or blankets.

I bring Evian spray and a clean beauty blender! I spray my face with the water and then pat it in, it keeps my hands from touching my face too much. I also love the squalane cleansing wipes from Biossance. They’re very moisturizing, individually wrapped, and have a perfect score from the environmental working group. I also bring the travel size Belif water essence, since it’s a pump, chapstick, and a tiny jasmine rollerball. I also bring travel deodorant and a travel toothbrush, extra cotton rounds, flossers, and a ton of tissue packs.

The first leg, we eat snacks and watch a show together. The snacks are usually marcona almonds, dried fruit, wasabi peas, and dark chocolate. It’s good to have non-nut options in case someone on the plane has an allergy. On our last trip, I packed a big container of Smitten Kitchen’s Farro with Broccoli Rubble. I skipped the cheese and used crispy breadcrumbs and oil-packed peppers instead, so it could keep at room temperature. The second leg, which is trans-Atlantic, we each order a glass of sparkling water and a glass of port wine, put on moisturizer, take a melatonin supplement to fight jet lag, then go to sleep. I swear by the Uniqlo Heattech leggings because I get so cold on planes. The third leg, it’s time to get acclimated to local time, so I order hot herbal tea and soak up as much sun as I can! I keep a little RMS Beauty palette so I can put on tinted chapstick and highlighter before I land, and bounce through customs all perky!

Wow! You have got traveling down pat! (I’m currently bowing to your greatness!)

January 29, 2018 12:50pm /

Karissa says...

Yonka Masque no.1 best thing ever for flights – I used to break out after almost every flight…it’s been a lifesaver, you just leave it on the whole flight, and have soft moisturised skin when you land!

I was recently on a flight sitting diagonal across from a man who was BLOWING SNOT ROCKETS into his hand and then opening the seat pocket and smearing the snot on the inside wall of the seat pocket. It was SO. EFFING. DISGUSTING that I had to move. I sat there and watched him smear snot everywhere as well as pick buggers and flick them in the pocket. Never in my life have I seen such a disgusting display.

So life lesson: Never take anything out of, or put anything in the seat pocket in front of you.

I wear a little undereye concealer and brown stuff, but I make sure I’ve added a lot of moisturizer to my face before the flight. I never use mascara or other products that are fussy or will smear while traveling. I also spray Evian mist during the flight to keep my skin and nose hydrated. My friend told me a little trick to keep your nose drying out: put a tiny swab of vaseline at the base of your nose when flying. I haven’t tried it, but she swears it keeps your nose from drying out.

I take a lot of 8+ hr red-eyes & while I still can’t bring myself to go to the airport 100% makeup free, I make sure to still have a nighttime routine focused on hydration. I usually remove all my makeup with a remover wipe, splash my face with a bit of micellar water, apply a bit of moisturizer, and then my new favorite thing is the Overnight Mask from Allies of Skin. It’s pricy, but oh my god, so worth it—I’ve never had any sort of spa treatment leave my (combination, acne-prone, problem-prone) skin so beautiful, clear, and hydrated. It also goes on clear, and loses it’s “sheen” after about 10 minutes, so—especially on a dark plane—it’s really subtle (and not a process my row mates will hate me for!).
All in all, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that even if I have to walk out of the airport sans makeup, I look so much better than the version of myself who is breaking out, with mascara sunk into bags under my eyes ;)

Like others I begin hydrating the day before with extra water, no drying foods and at least two servings of chia pudding, (3 T each plus water). Chia helps your body stay hydrated along with all its other benefits.

Plane rituals: fill up my water bottle, buy a new paperback and Welch’s fruit snacks. Also I don’t prefer to travel with my contacts in my eyes for any flight over 2 hours long, so I wear my glasses and pack my contacts in my carry on to put back in my eyeballs while I wait at baggage claim. Also, I take an EmergenC immediately after I get off the plane because close proximity/plane germs.

I definitely feel more confident and put together if I have at least some eye definition and tinted lip balm. But last time I flew, I did put tons of moisturizer on and no foundation, and then did the rest of my makeup when we arrived. It worked well for me! I usually really feel the need to exfoliate after travel, too.

I don’t know about this. Sure the air is drier in a plane, but what else? I’m kind of tired of everyone making public places (movie theaters, malls, airplanes) into their living rooms. Please don’t wear masks and PJs on a plane…

This. It’s a flight. Get over it. I mean, sure, if you’re flying around the globe this tip could be useful but even if I’m flying NY to CA….6 hours isn’t that big of a deal. Maybe my skin isn’t all that sensitive but I’d rather not act like the plane is my spa. Separately, I always laugh at folks with the neck donut pillow things on 2-3 hour flights.
Sorry, I guess this was a bit of a derailment…

January 19, 2018 4:47pm /

Courtney says...

Those of us in Australia fly 14-16 hours at least once a year if not more, plus usually a few more 2-7-hour flights once we reach the next continent— so while I’m not quite making myself at home on a plane, those long-haul flights wouldn’t be pleasant without a lot of these hacks.

January 19, 2018 11:40pm /

Eliza says...

I couldn’t agree more.

January 20, 2018 12:59pm /

Stefanie says...

Some people need to wear masks on a plane (or other public space) because they are immune compromised. I don’t think it’s that hard to be considerate or understanding of cancer patients or those with degenerative diseases, and that’s why you shouldn’t judge people you don’t know.

January 21, 2018 10:47pm /

Rachel S says...

Stephanie, she’s not talking about those kind of masks. She is talking about face masks… products that you spread on your face and allow to dry, then peel or wash off to rejuvenate your skin. Masks that you wear over your mouth and nose are another thing entirely!

January 22, 2018 1:36pm /

elke says...

I’ve always felt a little insecure without makeup on, and I would always wear it on the plane and inevitably look SO HAGGARD after my flight. I could never understand why I looked so much more tired and worse than when I left, even after reapplying makeup in the bathroom upon landing. A couple of months ago I read a post about travel tips (I think here on cup of jo actually!) and started flying without makeup, and hydrating (by drinking water and with a mist)/moisturizing on the plane. It makes SUCH a difference for me, I swear, now I look fresher at the end of the flight than the beginning! Oh, and if I DO want a teeny bit of ‘help’ at any point, I use RMS concealer, luminizer, and a little lip-to-cheek for color. It’s really gentle; once a facialist told me it’s the only thing she herself would suggest putting on my skin post-facial when it’s at its most sensitive. Anyways, just want to say thanks again for the tip and, it’s at least something to try for those of you who are unsure but feel like you look exhausted after a flight no matter what.

Forget makeup! My number one tip for flying is, for the love of God, bring plenty of tampons and pads. Sure, having your makeup cake to your face and dry out is sucky, but bleeding through your pants and having to wash them in the tiny plane sink is downright shitty. I swear, something about the pressurization makes for a heavier flow.

I often wear Thinx when I fly, just in case! And always always always extra underwear in a waterproof pouch…that helps with a long layover, too!

January 22, 2018 10:39pm /

Carol says...

I do this for long flights (which from Australia is all flights!) . Once I’m on the plane I’ll clean my face with makeup remover wipes and slap on some moisturizer, which I’ll top up, along with lip balm, every few hours. Then right before or after landing I’ll put a little bit of makeup back on (maybe just some concealer and mascara, just something to make me feel slightly less bedraggled).
My weird travel thing (well, anytime really) is if you haven’t been able to shower (or you’ve been stress-sweating because you’re running late for the airport!) and you feel like you’re getting a bit stinky, antibacterial hand gel is great to rub on your pits because it kills the bacteria that cause the BO smell.

I use lavender essential oil for the same reason, it is anti-bacterial AND calming at the same time but now I know about hand sanitizer as a backup! Learn something new…! Thank you!

Also, I read recently about daubing rubbing alcohol on the pits of blazers/sweaters, etc and letting it air dry for a DIY dry cleaning effect that removes lingering odor on items that don’t get washed with every use. Lifesaver!

January 19, 2018 10:02pm /

shelley says...

I think this is good advice for a lot of people but the one time I tried it for myself I broke out horrifically my entire vacation! I mean literally 15+ blemishes including cysts.

I think my skin just responds best to doing my same routine every single day no matter what.

I’ve also realized recently that drinking on a plane makes my skin look especially horrible. I often want a drink before sleeping on a red-eye flight, but then my skin in the morning is red and blotchy. It was an eye-opening “duh” moment for me to realize that the issue is the alcohol plus flying and not just the flying.

Ohhhh a favorite topic of mine as I travel a lot! I have a close friend who is very susceptible to migraines and a strong scent can bring one on. She once explained because of this, traveling can be a nightmare if someone in her row over-spritzes their signature scent. Now I never were perfume on a plane. Here is what I do do:

Twist my hair into a lose top knot. When I land, beachy waves!
Always get the biggest bottle of water I can buy, they never give enough in flight.
Tell myself I will not be drinking wine because it is too dehydrating, then drink the wine with the rationalization that I brought a big bottle of water.
Skip make up or remove after take off and slather on moisturizer or mask.
Take Burt’s Bees. Great for lips, even better it doubles as cuticle cream.
Dress in layers, pack compression socks.
If I checked my bag on an international flight, I bring 2 extra sets of underwear in my carry on. Anytime my bag went missing, it took 2 days to get it back. Even when I was flying first class.
I try not check my bag. It gives me much more flexibility to change flights if my plain is oversold, which could mean getting bumped to first class or a direct flight.

Yuk, imagine having to wash it off in the restroom. I can barely stand having to wash my hands or clean my teeth in there.

January 19, 2018 6:15pm /

Paige says...

The only thing is that you might have something important to do right after landing and won’t have an opportunity to re-apply make up on the other side. This might be a good tip for longer flights, but it wouldn’t make sense for a business person travelling to attend a meeting or dinner.

I snort colloidal silver and apply it to the inner corners of my eyes (it doesn’t sting) before flying to do basically the same thing- create an antibacterial/antiviral barrier. So far, I haven’t gotten sick from a flight!

January 19, 2018 12:34pm /

Amy Greene says...

I work in a hospital and do this on the regular!
The bacteria that cause MRSA most often live in the nose so this (hopefully) helps prevents it from colonizing and making you sick.
Curad makes a colloidal silver gels that works even better than Neosporin against MRSA :)

This might sound a bit “extra” but if I’m taking a trip on the longer side (a week+), I try to budget for eyelash extensions. Not only does it make me feel a bit more put together without having to add any extra makeup (maybe a bit of tinted moisturizer towards the end of the flight), but it also means less bits of makeup to bring for the trip! (I usually go without eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner when I have these on). Plus, no racoon eyes from flaky mascara for me :)

Makeup artist Lisa Eldridge posted a video a few years back about her routine on long haul flights. I love it because she really goes for it on flights – she has a full skincare routine. I’m taking my first really long international trip since she posted the video, and I’m totally going to lean into her methodology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ0LjVp0fvs

I love Lisa, but her routine is nuts and your seat mate will hate you. If you’re really worried about your skin, get on the plane with a clean and well-moisturized face and stay hydrated. Save the spa treatment for the privacy of your own home or hotel room.

January 20, 2018 1:04pm /

Meg says...

I’ll report back the degree to which my neighbor hates me at the end of our 13 hour flight. Marriages have been tanked in less! :)

I only wear eyeliner and mascara on a plane. And glasses. For some reason, the pressure really bothers my eyes if I wear contacts. I always sit by a window so I can take pictures, and when it’s too dark to shoot, my ritual is a semi-trashy mystery and 2 tiny bottles of wine. The book takes my mind off the fact that I’m trapped in an absurd situation (how can that thing stay in the air?!!?) and the wine thins my blood to help avoid blood clots. At least that’s my theory. :-) Recent years’ book favorites include any Stephanie Plum novel by Janet Evanovich, the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters and the Claire Malloy mysteries by Joan Hess. For the wine, whatever they have onboard! :-)

I don’t wear make-up and have my glasses instead of contacts. As soon as I get on the plane (for long-haul) I change into my pyjamas (ie sweats). I take a big bottle of water, face wipes, moisturiser and lip balm, and slap on loads of the last 2 every few hours. It’s so much more comfortable to lounge in sweats (and no bra!!) and change into clean underwear before getting dressed again for landing.

Yes! I do all of this – so glad pj’s isn’t just me :) Such a treat pulling on fresh underwear and socks AND not having spent the whole flight in the jeans I got on board with.

January 19, 2018 1:27pm /

CL says...

Yes but doesn’t it gross you out to have to change in an airplane bathroom? I often see people change on long haul flights and I don’t know how they do it. I want nothing I own touching that bathroom floor! Haha!

January 19, 2018 2:13pm /

Grace says...

Every time I fly international, I make my way to Duty Free. I make sure I have a clean face, and then I use all the free samples of the fancy creams I could never afford. La Mer before jetting off to Newark…don’t mind if I do.

Some people have really bad skin and don’t feel comfortable going out in public without at least a little makeup on. I am thankful that mine has cleared up and no longer looks how it does when I was younger, but I remember how it felt. There are tinted moisturizers out there that are less drying than straight-up foundation, so that could be a good option if you can’t go 100% makeup-free. Just putting this here for those who might read this and feel uncomfortable about the advice given!

Yes, this. I have clear skin but naturally very dark bruised looking under eye circles, and without under eye concealer, I look like I have the flu (which no one wants from a neighbor on a flight), and get a lot of concerned looks, which is uncomfortable in public.

January 19, 2018 6:53pm /

Kate says...

What good advice!

Funny plane behavior story: my eldest sister was born without a sense of smell. Until she was in her mid-twenties, when she was travelling solo, she would give herself a little manicure when she flew (polish remover, nail polish, topcoat, the works). Finally, she was travelling with a friend and started to pull out her supplies after take-off; the friend, horrified, immediately explained the fume issue and put a stop to her in-flight spa treatment. My sister still cringes when thinking of how many innocent people she had tormented over the years!

I was born with a super sniffer, so being your sister’s seat mate would have been torture for me!!

January 19, 2018 12:12pm /

Jane says...

Not to mention nail polish is a huge fire hazard! was once on an international flight and the flight attendant started yelling at the person painting their nails because she was so worried about a fire starting

I have a sensitive sense of smell and flights are the worst. Perfume, food (on a recent flight my seatmate brought on a homemade wrap with kale and the smell was so strong,like old cabbage/brussels sprouts, that I literally almost threw up), etc. But re: the manicure, one time a woman next to me on a plane was filing her nails, and I could see the tiny little nail particle dust floating in the air in front of us in that whole flight. No. Don’t do that.

January 19, 2018 6:46pm /

Meli says...

I fly long distances regularly for work and have abandoned any shame in wearing a moisturizing mask! Once those lights dim, I slap it on and leave the package on the tray in case my neighbors get anxious :) Try it! It is so worth it!

Probably TMI, but: my plane ritual is to change into fresh undies just before landing. I have no idea what it is about planes that makes me simultaneously sweaty and cold, but it happens every time and I hate it. I don’t want to pack a whole new outfit for the flight, so I just pop on a fresh bra & pants and spray myself and my outer clothes with a tiny spray bottle of vodka (or hand sanitizer, thanks to you, Jo! Ha ha). The world is a better place in fresh knickers; the customs line, even more so.

Sadie! I get sweaty and cold, too! And I always get B.O. on planes. I was using the spray sanitizer tip even before Joanna mentioned it, haha! The best one I’ve found is EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray. It makes me smell SO fresh. One time I had to make an emergency trip to the hospital and hadn’t showered in a couple days, so I sprayed that stuff in my armpits. I’ve never had so many compliments on how nice I smelled!

January 19, 2018 1:13pm /

Casey Boss says...

I’m traveling soon, solo, with my two young kids. I will certainly heed the no make-up advice, but my sister-in-law also just convinced me to get headphone splitter for an ipad movie for the kids. Her point is that they are likely to be bouncing- off-the-wall-bonkers once we land, so why not take the flight to actually relax. Treating myself to an adult beverage might be in conflict with the hydration tip, but I certainly like it when I consider a few moment’s of quiet for me on what is sure to be a crazy “vacation!”

I got a set of kids’ headphones with a built-in jack to plug in another set of headphones. I highly recommend this, since it’s easy to lose or forget a splitter! Lots of kids’ headphones have them now. I only have one kid, so I mainly use the jack when he starts asking me what’s going on in his movie.

January 19, 2018 10:34am /

AB says...

I discovered when I was nursing that medical grade lanolin (the nipple cream in the purple tube) is a great all purpose balm. I take a tube on the plane for lips/hands/cheeks – mine and the kids! We also use it for winter weather. I pack water bottles for all – we down our water before heading through security then refill at a water fountain once we are through. Keeps us hydrated on the plane and that way we have the our water bottles for beach, pool and hikes. Always a plane picnic with enough healthy snacks to make a meal or two! I pack sandwiches, clementines, apples, cheese, etc. That way I can say yes to travel treats without the children getting completely strung out on junk food.

I’ve never been pregnant, but discovering lanolin was a revelation for me too. I finally figured it out when I realized that every lip balm I’ve loved, including everyone’s favorite Burt’s Bees, had one thing in common– lanolin!

January 19, 2018 1:24pm /

Daniella says...

I wish this was a requirement at the airline I work at! Not only are we required to wear full face make up but they check our image and uniform before each flight (including weighing us). At 26 I feel as though my skin as aged ten years after working only 2!

WEIGHING YOU???!!!!!! what is their rationale for that? that’s appalling!

January 19, 2018 10:02am /

sasha says...

May I ask what airline? So that I can voice my outrage, and never fly with them again. Unbelievable. Are they weighing the flight crew as well? The ticket agents? Isn’t requiring makeup of women, only, inherently sexist?

I just literally jumped out of my skin. Not ok. I know my mom as a passenger was asked once how much she weighed (she’s slender) before a puddle jumper flight to Hawaii but they were trying to balance out the sides of the plane and that was 30 years ago. These days I can’t even believe that’s legal.

January 19, 2018 11:52am /

kiki says...

yeahhhh…this is common. My husband is a remote surveyor, and they often have to weigh themselves right along with their bags to make sure they aren’t carrying too much weight. Commercial airlines use this as an excuse to justify weighing their staff. :(

January 19, 2018 12:07pm /

Greta says...

Outrageous! And what do they do if you are not the ‘right’ weight??? Find another air hostess in under 10 minutes to replace the ‘heavy’ one? Goodness!!!

That’s really terrible, but I’m not surprised. My dad is a captain for an overseas airline, and the cabin crew are flawless – it’s part of the whole image. Doesn’t make it ok, but it’s expected as part of the job. I always admired them and their uniforms when I was little! I still do, but I don’t agree with the standard/requirement/pressure of course.

January 19, 2018 2:57pm /

Caroline says...

My plane essentials: a mini-pack of Clorox wipes (I wipe down the tray table, armrest, remote, everything), an eye mask, lip balm, lavender oil (used in moderation on pulse points), a huge scarf (to be used as a blanket), a huge bottle of water, KIND bars or some nuts, dark chocolate, moisturizing eye drops, thick socks, headphones, and a pen. I wear my glasses and use only Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and L’Oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara (it washes off with just warm water but won’t leave you with raccoon eyes after a nap).

I don’t like to go completely bare because I feel more awake and alert with makeup on, but I keep things minimal along with applying a ton of oil: Eyebrows and eyelashes, maybe a swipe of Glossier’s Haloscope (which is also hydrating) for a bit of a highlight. Absolutely no foundation or concealer, which is the part that bakes in and ends up looking super cakey and dry. Then just drink a ton of water. I usually bring an empty water bottle with me in my carry on bag to fill up after clearing security, in addition to buying one of the big bottles of Figi water. As a bonus, you’ll save money in the airport and throughout your trip by keeping a reusable water bottle handy!

I always treat myself to a magazine at the airport to flip through on the plane. Martha Stewart Living is my go-to. If I really like an issue, I’ll keep it around the house and remember the jitters I felt before a trip or the excitement of seeing family whenever I flip through it again.

me too!!! i always buy magazines at the airport that i don’t usually read, like food & wine or a travel magazine. so fun to have a fresh one for the flight :)

January 19, 2018 10:57am /

Emma says...

My regimen is to drink a litre of water and cleanse my skin pre-flight. Mid-flight I use a cleansing wipe on my face and apply a thick moisturizer and eye cream (sometimes a couple times depending on the length of the flight). After landing, I properly cleanse my face and spritz my face with an energizing mist (I use this one: http://www.saje.com/ca/arrive-revived-3843.html). I might look like a high maintenance passenger but it makes all the difference in my skin and mood when travelling!

I do sheet masks on flights over an hour or two (sometimes twice on long haul flights!). Super moisturizing, perfect time to just throw one on, watch a movie and have a glass of wine! Might scare your seat neighbor a bit but makes me extra happy to squeeze in some self care on crazy work trips :)

On a daily basis I use a Korean BB cream, I have dry skin and I find them really good to my skin and my necessities. Try Missha M Perfect Cover. Just a little bit of that, some mascara and coloured lip gloss.
Oh and don’t you remember when you suggested to fly with self tanner? The post is called ‘How to get ready for a party in five minutes’.

May I ask which BB cream? I’m looking for recommendations (and to shift away from daily foundation wear)

January 19, 2018 12:34pm /

Laura C. says...

@Andrea: of course! It’s Missha M Perfect Cover, I use shade #23 (I’m NC20 I think). Best bb cream ever. I buy it on eBay, it’s not pricey at all and I swear by!

January 19, 2018 3:56pm /

becs says...

How did you find your shade? Do they sell it in stores where you can sample? Thanks!!

January 19, 2018 11:24pm /

Laura C. says...

@Becs: I found it at a store in town, but it was more expensive than on ebay, so I decided to purchase a smaller tube just for trying, since they didn’t have samples for me to try. I got lucky and I got it right with the shade, so I bought it on ebay the next time.

Wow I never thought of this! My issue is often flying for work— if I have meetings when I land it can be a pain to stop and do makeup before… but my combo skin freaks out insanely with flying so could be very worth it.

Seriously? People actually wear make-up on flights?! This in itself is a revelation to me – I can’t imagine why you would! I have suffered from breakouts for the last few years (thankfully over that now having given up coffee!) but even at it’s worst I never wore make-up. For a start it just feels really uncomfortable!

Well, here are two reasons I usually wear makeup on a plane: 1) I often go to the airport straight from work and I always wear makeup to work, so I’d have to wash off the makeup in the airport bathroom and I am probably too lazy for that. 2) If I have an early morning flight, I’m sometimes planning to get picked up by a friend at the airport or get a rental car and go straight out to meet somebody. In that case it just feels easier to do my makeup in the morning before I board than to do makeup in the airport bathroom.

I have always been that crazy with a mask on. More recently I cleanse with a wipe and apply Aesop’s Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque. As the plane is landing I use another wipe and moisturize. It’s clear, your skin looks dewy, plump, and best of all, the bottle is travel size.

I have anxiety so plane rides are a nightmare for me. The only ritual I have is one of distraction. I recently discovered a hilarious podcast, My Dad Wrote a Porno. It’s basically a guy who discovered an erotic novel his dad wrote and reads it out loud with his friends. It’s hilarious because the novel is badly written as a porno but so good as a humorous book (the main character works for a pots and pans company!). It’s saved me from panic attacks many, many times.

I have massive plane anxiety too and a terrible case of claustrophobia! I find a big glass of wine before the flight is essential. And having backgammon on my phone helps. When the walls seem to be closing in, I just concentrate on the backgammon and play for all my life is worth and somehow everything else melts away.

Yes, this! I hoard samples of La Mer for use exclusively when I’m flying. It’s out of my budget to actually purchase La Mer, but it makes a big difference when flying, especially from Australia where flying just about anywhere else in the world is super long haul. I don’t wear make up on the plane, and I always rinse my face and apply a ton of moisturiser before take off, and at each layover. I also usually pack a travel pack of facial wipes, a little bottle of a calming toner, and a sample of moisturiser and right before landing I’ll wash my face and go through my ‘morning’ routine, including applying a little tinted moisuriser and some cream brush plus a little brow mascara, but skip actual mascara lest I wake up looking like a panda bear.

The problem I run into with flights is I look nothing like my passport photo from 4 years ago, so I get the immigration side eye. If you want to avoid being asked questions like, “Why isn’t your hair blonde?” “Long flight?” (<- nope, just not wearing makeup) “Why are you wearing glasses?” Take your passport photo with makeup and hair that matches how you look trave, or a close approximation. I’m fully made up in my passport, with styled hair. I fly with no makeup, wearing glasses, and generally with my hair up. I’m not going back to blonde any time soon, but I think I’d get fewer questions if I’d done the picture with just B.B. cream and mascara.

I didn’t even of think of this for on the plane. Similarly though, I always completely cleanse my face before working out. I usually keep cleansing wipes in my gym bag to make this easier. I used to only think I needed to cleanse after working out. Exercising also opens the pores as well. I work out in the afternoon, after work, so all of the makeup and dirt and build up from the day would then be entering my pores as I worked out. Another tip: before working out, I put plenty of oil on the ends of my hair and tie it up. My hair is tied up so it is not noticeable and I’m going to shower right after anyways. Doing both of these things before beginning my work out feels so good and healthy.

I’m in a long distance relationship right now, and recently took the gruelling journey involving three flights (UK to US). I didn’t wear contact lenses or make up for the first two flights and then at the last lay over washed, deodorised, lenses in, cleansed and moisturized my face and put on all my make up. I also had a fresh outfit in my hand luggage. I felt so much better being fresh even though I was exhausted. It also made it feel a tiny bit like getting ready for a date living in the same place, instead of seeing my boyfriend for a ten day trip haha.
I’ve done this before on long haul flights, try to look nice and feel fresh on arrival not from the point you leave the house.

I never wear makeup when flying. Matter of fact, I don’t wear makeup when travelling regardless of the mode of transportation. I think it’s a tip most ladies should learn. Your skin will thank you for it.

Agree 100%. I may wear a little for a special date night while on vacation. Otherwise, I like to think of it as embracing my inner hippie.

January 19, 2018 9:25am /

Amanda Blair Hopkins says...

Something I’ve heard recently is to fast for flights that are 6 hours or less. More could be tougher but, still doable. Fasting in air gives digestion a break and cuts down on in flight gas/Bloating. I have always brought my own food on the plane but, I’m going to test this out when I fly to India on Thursday (I’m leaving for Vietnam. And I never fly with makeup. I love giving my skin a chance to breathe!

One travel must-have that I discovered recently is saline nasal gel (or spray). Maybe TMI, but it’s totally worth it! I had noticed that my nasal passages were always super dry and irritated for several days after flying due to the lack of humidity in the cabins, and the saline helps a lot. As a bonus, it can also help keep you from catching airborne bacteria and viruses and getting sick.

As a flight attendant, I highly recommend this! If you’re on a long haul flight and planning to sleep, put on a sheet mask! I also bring rose water (I love Mario Badescu’s travel size bottles) and always make sure to drink a liter of water for every two hours of flight.

My boyfriend and just booked a trip to Europe at the beginning of March. We are doing something a little crazy
– no itinerary! We hope that deciding where we go each day (we bought a Eurail) will make it more exciting. Here’s to adventure!

Our journey begins in Rome and the rest we will figure out as we go. We just have to be in London to catch our flight home 13 days later. I’m so crazy excited!

(P.S. One thing I really want to do is go to Paris, besides tge obvious stuff) and eat at the falafel place everyone raved about when you went to there. Goals!)

Re: plane rituals. Flying can be kind of miserable, what with cramped seats and screaming babies. So I usually try to do little things to treat myself, and make it a bit more pleasant. Usually this means packing some good snacks, loading a good book on my Kindle, and having a glass of wine in flight.

My plane ritual isn’t glamorous, but I bring antibacterial hand wipes on every trip and totally wipe down my seat area (tray table, head rest, seat belt, etc). I am admittedly a germaphobe and this always gives me some peace of mind.

Aaahhh, this is so smart! I always break out after flying home or on vacations, and now I know!!

For those who can’t imagine slathering with facial oils, don’t worry! Like is drawn to like: the right facial oils can actually help draw out impurities and keep your skin at a more balanced level. I regularly wash my face with oil (jojoba, almond, a tiny bit of castor) and it makes such a difference!

I was beginning to think I was the only woman who gets on a plane with BB cream and lipstick!

January 19, 2018 4:42pm /

Keri says...

if you’re looking for a face oil, check out “face hero” by Go-To Skin Care, seriously revolutionary. As a bonus, they lady who started it all is Zoe Foster Blake the author, columnist, magazine editor, and cosmetics entrepreneur, comedian and ultimate girl crush

As a former flight attendant, it’s really not necessary to fly sans make-up. You’re better off being super hydrated before and during the flight. For each hour you fly make sure you’re consuming at least 8oz of water. Oh, and be nice to your cabin crew. They’re trained to save your life not to put up with your annoying requests for ginger ale with no ice.

Gee, I’ll try, as long as I have room for my legs and am not thrown off the plane for asking for ginger ale. Seriously, I drink lots of water,no alcohol and try to move around once an hour. Hope none of that inconveniences the crew. LOL.

I always wear makeup on my trips (and flights), but I don’t really recall a lot of breakouts during my travels. Maybe some types of skin are more sensitive to this than others? But it does make sense that it’s healthier and better for the skin to keep it clean while up in the air, so I’ll keep this in mind!
Thanks for sharing, have a good weekend xo

I love all these tips and will definitely be using many of them! I will say that while I love a lot of these tips I am really sensitive to scents and get migraines from them sometimes. Please be considerate of other passengers and not being overly scented items on planes- while you might feel like it smells good, it could give someone else a headache or worse migraine.

I agree with this 100%. I’m not particularly sensitive to fragrance overall, but I do get a touch airsick (even with hundreds of thousands of air miles under my belt). Perfume smells just seem to make it worse, especially when it’s overwhelming. Same for men’s aftershave. Gah.

Totally agree! I have a million allergies and suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity, and sitting near someone who’s been going a bit overboard trying perfumes in the tax free shop can literally ruin an entire flight for me.

January 19, 2018 12:59pm /

Kate says...

Am I the only one who gets the opposite of dry skin when I fly?? Whenever I travel my skin gets SUPER oily (moreso than usual, which is just pretty oily). I can’t imagine slathering it with oils and moisturizers or even a face mask before boarding a plane. When I fly I like to feel as close to ready-for-bed comfy as possible so makeup is definitely out.

The Boeing Dreamliner flown by Air Canada has humidity levels closer to sea level air (but not seaside!)

Kate! I had the SAME problem- my face would get SUPER Oily. Then I tried a different tack- I tried going crazy with moisturizer- took off all my foundation and put a mask on and then off- and then finished with a heavy cream. BINGO. My skin was moist but never got that greasy sheen. I think it really was just reacting to the dry weather with more oil- when I kept it pampered it stayed on board!

I was one of those people who did a sheet mask on the plane.. CHANGED MY LIFE. I never go on a 5 hour trip or longer without it now.

January 19, 2018 8:56am /

Giulia says...

The dreamliner makes all the difference! Not only are the humidity levels higher, but the plane is pressurized for higher altitude so you arrive a lot less exhausted and I find jet lag is minimized! Also, you can stand up from your seat without bumping your head because of the improved overhead compartments.

haha i think she meant that your pores open up and then your makeup goes right into them. gross!

January 18, 2018 8:41pm /

Margaret says...

Joanna – I’m such a huge fan of yours, and I want to also alert you and your readers to this line of natural facial products:https://basic-naturals.com/
These are not friends of mine nor do I have anything to do with this line, but I’m a thrilled customer (for years) and just want them to explode with success, I believe so much in their products. Daily I use the Clean Face Oil cleanser and the Healthy Face moisturizer. My skin glows when I use them and is very sad if/when I ever run out! But I buy in threes : )
Thanks for the incredible blog, I’ve been a fan of yours (and now your sister’s!) for years! Enjoy!!

Thanks Margaret, I’ve been looking for a new natural facial moisturizer so I just ordered some to try!

January 18, 2018 8:52pm /

Emily says...

I’ve totally been guilty of wearing makeup on planes! My boyfriend and I were long distance for an early portion of our relationship, so for a while I’d wear it on my way to see him (I’d have to refresh when I landed in Newark, haha!). My plane musts are a good pair of headphones, a packed lunch, a playlist, and a book. I actually like flying because I have uninterrupted reading time!

For Christmas my sister gave me some Josie Maran products – the Argan oil light and Pure Argan milk – these are so hydrating, a game changer for my dry skin, and not too expensive – plus you can buy the small/trial sample sizes, perfect for travelling

Primally Pure makes amazing facial sprays that I can’t live without on a flight… I spray my face / neck / hands every hour on a make-up free face. It’s also GREAT to spray on a clean face before loading on the facial oil… then spray away on top as you fly.

My husband and I are travelling to the UK from Australia this year which we tend to do every 2 years. I apply my nighttime moisturiser before I board and take my rosehip oil and mist with me to apply during the flight. Lots of water and I also take eye drops to stop my eyes from drying out too much. During the layover I have a quick shower and do my nighttime routine to lock in the moisture. Lastly, I tend to have an LED facial before I fly.

This is not beauty related, but can I add that you NOT put your passport in the seat pocket in front of you? Most people will probably say “Duh!”, but I when I was 18, I left it there on my layover, and got stuck in Taipei, without my passport. I ended up stranded for only for 24 hours, but I learned my lesson. Now I travel wearing clothes with deep pockets and make sure everything I need immediate access to stays there!

As a super-frequent flyer, this is what you do: You buy one of those zip-around passport holders (like a wallet on a string, but the passport goes into a zip case) and you wear that at all times. Even if you are sleeping on a long-haul flight. It doesn’t leave my body. Losing a passport is just too high risk.

January 18, 2018 8:32pm /

Anne says...

I did something similar once. I spent all of Christmas break outlining every lecture of the semester by hand. Flying back to school 3 days before finals, I left the whole packet of outlines in the seat pocket! I didn’t get them back, but I guess the process of outlining helped me learn the information because I aced the test. Still, will never make that mistake again!

I also make sure to drink TONS of water the day before I’m going to be on a plane, it helps a lot more than drinking while flying, and you have the added bonus of not having to use the airplane restroom every five minutes! ;)

What a great tip! I always get so thirsty on planes and drink a ton of water, but it never occurred to me to start hydrating the day before! I always try to remember my reusable water bottle to refill at the airport and while traveling, because the number of plastic water bottles I would otherwise go through is absurd. Also like treating myself to luxe mini hand creams and remembering to reapply often.

January 18, 2018 7:45pm /

Allison says...

This is genius.

January 18, 2018 8:36pm /

jet says...

Very smart and I’m adding this to my routine. Hate those airplane bathrooms.

During a flight from NYC to Milan my eyes started to water like crazy and it lasted for hours. Finally I realized it was my mascara flaking off into my eyes! It was awful and taught me to always wash my makeup off before I fly. It’s just not worth it.

January 18, 2018 11:11pm /

Heather says...

One more key tip: do NOT use humectant moisturizers on the plane!! They normally draw moisture from the air to hydrate skin but in zero humidity they will draw moisture from your skin, rather than from the air, and leave your skin crazy dry. I read this recently and it blew my mind.

I couldn’t agree with this more! I do what I’ve dubbed “plane spa”. I started doing it because I’m not a great flyer and wanted a way to relax more, plus, I’m crazy about skincare so the idea grew from there. If I haven’t already washed and moisturized my face before the flight, I bring makeup wipes to remove all makeup. I also bring a water spray, moisturizer, lip balm, hand cream, and lavender aromatherapy wipes. For long flights I also use a moisturizing sheet mask halfway through. Sometimes seatmates give me the side eye, but I just think about how much better my skin looks post-flight. And doing “plane spa” feels so luxurious during a potentially stressful travel situation.

Consider that seatmates may be giving you side eye because scents like lavender can be allergy and headache triggers for people (like me). Sitting next to you while you do this would guarantee a terrible flight following by a painful day for me. Maybe consider being kind and keeping the aromatherapy at home and bring the unscented products on the plane.

Hi Sandra, I like using the argan oil from Josie Maran. Sephora sells a (very) mini bottle for sixteen bucks. I find that the oil is moisturizing without being heavy and has a pleasant smell, plus they use all organic ingredients and work with organizations that empower the women who harvest the ingredients.

I second everyday oil! It smells so good and you can use it all over your body, including your face. It cleared up the pesky bumps on my forehead (which I didn’t think would work since I have oily skin already but I’m learning my lesson now). I apply it to my legs after I shave when my legs are still wet and BAM there’s no sticky oil-y legs :)

January 18, 2018 9:27pm /

Kate says...

Another vote for go to! The cleanser and face oil is truely excellent.

January 18, 2018 9:36pm /

Chelsa Williams says...

echoing Hillary – Everyday Oil – it is wonderful. I have temperamental skin that gets oily and dry – this oil has been amazing. I use it everywhere but especially on face & neck. When I notice a breakout coming, I slather on extra layers of the oil at night and the redness./inflammation is drastically reduced the next morning. Perk – it smells heavenly. I learned about it on COJ Beauty Uniform – can’t recall who though!

Yes! And then you get to your destination looking fresh and not like you’ve spent the last several hours trapped in a tin can of recycled air. I think there’s something kind of glamorous about that.

January 18, 2018 8:04pm /

Joanna Goddard says...

haha agreed!!

January 18, 2018 8:40pm /

annie says...

Yes! I recently started a system of cleansing with facial oil and slathering moisture on before a flight. THEN I exfoliate when I get to my hotel to remove all the dead skin that accrued during the flight. My skin is never perfect when I air travel, but this HELPS!

I am going on a 13-hr flight back to Asia in a couple of months. What I usually do is not wear my contact lenses, put on face oil and change into lounge wear and slip-on shoes at the airport so I can be comfortable in the plane. I drink lots of water and if I can’t sleep yet, I walk down the aisles after the meal service, to promote circulation. I also take a sleeping mask with me just in case there are bright lights that might hinder me from sleeping.

I always bring a travel bottle of Evian mineral water spray for my face. During long flights I even breathe it in through my nose. I hate that dried out nose feeling, makes flying even more miserable! I always spray water onto my face right before moisturizer. Makes it so much more moisturizing and the oils in the creams really help lock in the moisture.

Don’t wear your contact lenses while flying! Cabin air dehydrates you completely which will glue those suckers right on to your eyeballs. Plus have you ever tried to nap with lenses on? Makes waking up a horror..

This, PLUS, if I go into a deep-ish sleep, my mouth hangs open. And then I discover this when I jerk awake. SO EMBARASSING.

January 18, 2018 5:24pm /

Joanna Goddard says...

hahahaha

January 18, 2018 5:26pm /

Ella says...

I’ve totally done that! (slept on a plane then jerked awake…. it usually happens when I’m holding a book or magazine and am in denial that I’m tired. Combine the dropped item with my short arms that can’t reach the item, and you end up with little smiles on the faces of people near me who have to rescue the dropped items – knowing I was sleeping when it happened.)

January 18, 2018 5:34pm /

Ella says...

PS: Good to know not to sleep in contacts. I’ll just have to wear my cute glasses on the plane in case I fall asleep.

January 18, 2018 5:39pm /

Dee says...

Lol totally – usually just as my head is about to snuggle up to a strangers shoulder hehe

January 18, 2018 5:59pm /

sasha says...

Flying home from Costa Rica tomorrow (sad face!). I don’t wear makeup ever, and I guess I support this logic because my skin doesn’t freak out when I fly. I will be rubbing a good bit of my homemade winter salve into my face before we board, to combat the dryness on a seven hour flight. It’s olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax.

I don’t have the type of skin that allows me to leave the house without any make up on. Anyone have any tips for those of us who think they need at least a little foundation before going out in public?

I’m in the same boat skin-wise Meg. I wear a good layer of moisturizer, topped by a tinted moisturizer to provide a bit of cover. I try to stick to my “cleanest” make-up such as RMS Beauty (which is basically pigment + coconut oil) or Benefit Complexion Rescue — nothing with silicones or essential oils that would be extra irritating.

January 18, 2018 5:21pm /

Joanna Goddard says...

great recommendation, E! also, i’m like you, meg — i NEED foundation before leaving the house, otherwise my skin is ruddy and blotchy. i’m planning to wear simple makeup during the day, but then just wipe it off for the plane (since who cares how you look on the plane ride itself:) and then put simple makeup back on right before or after we land.

January 18, 2018 5:24pm /

jade says...

As an Aussie – flying anywhere means you will be on a plane for 10+ hours. I travel as a tour guide for work quite a lot on 4 star tours so feel I need to look put together at all times as I am representing a big company. What I normally do is travel to the airport to meet and greet everyone in makeup then once everyone is collected through check in and customs at the gate I duck to the Loo – take the makeup off and slather Cliniques Moisturesurge overnight mask on. If you are really conscious of your skin – maybe once you are on the plane you could duck to the loo and take your makeup off? or only spot conceal where needed?

January 18, 2018 5:27pm /

Laurel Hammond says...

This! Truth!

January 18, 2018 5:32pm /

Bethany says...

I LOVE THE DR JART CICAPAIR LINE TOO!!!!! (all caps because that’s how much I love it)

January 18, 2018 5:38pm /

Ashley says...

I have sensitive skin and wearing foundation too frequently can cause my skin to get irritated. For everyday use, I’ve been using some CC Cream instead of full-on foundation (I LOVE Arbonne’s brand) and my skin is much happier for it.

January 18, 2018 8:56pm /

Samantha says...

try The Colors from cocokind!! they are actually skincare, but help to even your skin tone out. my skin used to be very red and blotchy, but after using the green primer drops for about a month, i don’t need to wear foundation anymore. just the drops!https://shop.cocokind.com/collections/thecolors

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